Denise Richards is speaking out—and the details are shocking.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum and Wild Things star, 53, has been granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, following explosive allegations of physical and verbal abuse during their tumultuous marriage.
The restraining order, filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, comes as Denise shared graphic photos of bruises on her face and arms as evidence of Aaron’s alleged attacks.
???? “Throughout our relationship, Aaron would violently choke me, slap me in the face, squeeze my arms, and even slam my head into the bathroom towel rack,” Denise alleged in court documents obtained by TMZ.
Shocking Allegations of Violence
In her declaration to the court, Denise recounted several instances of terrifying abuse:
- ???? Choking and Head Trauma: Denise says Aaron often wrapped his hands around her throat and squeezed her head with both hands.
- ???? Struck in the Face: She claims Aaron struck her in the eye with the heel of his palm during a 2022 argument at his Malibu workplace, leaving her with visible bruising.
- ???? Slammed to the Ground: Denise described one chilling incident where Aaron allegedly grabbed her by the hair and slammed her to the floor while screaming, “You are not canceling my flight. I don’t trust you!”
She also alleged that Aaron’s paranoia spiraled out of control, recalling a moment when he accused potted plants in his office of containing listening devices.
Photos Tell a Disturbing Story
In her filing, Denise submitted photos showing a bruised face and discolored arms. She claims the images—some of which were taken on red carpets—show injuries inflicted by Aaron, and that she had “forgotten to cover them up” with makeup before public appearances.
Threats and Firearms: “I’ll Blow Everything Up”
Denise further alleged that Aaron made frightening threats during heated arguments, including threatening to kill her—and himself—if she went to the police.
In one chilling incident on July 4th, Denise says Aaron stormed into her office, grabbed her arm tightly, and screamed at her to hand over her phone.
When she threatened to call 911, Aaron allegedly snapped:
???? “I’d like to see the cops take me away. I’ll blow everything up if they try.”
Adding to her fear, Denise told the court Aaron is in possession of at least eight unregistered firearms.
Aaron Phypers Responds: “Not True”
Aaron Phypers, 51, is strongly denying the allegations. Speaking exclusively to TMZ, he fired back:
???? “Not true. I have all the details. She is creating a story to save her image and reporting a conjured-up story when I have all the real evidence.”
The couple, who married in 2018, are due back in court August 8 for a hearing. Until then, Aaron has been ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from Denise, her home, her workplace, and her vehicle.
A Marriage in Crisis
The restraining order follows Aaron’s divorce filing earlier this month, in which he cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.
Their relationship, once hailed as Denise’s “happily ever after,” had been a whirlwind from the start.
- ???? Married in 2018: Denise famously declared she would “never get divorced again” just months before tying the knot with Aaron.
- ???? Signs of Trouble: Behind the scenes, friends say there had been whispers of volatility in their marriage long before Aaron’s official filing.
Denise Richards’ History of High-Profile Relationships
This isn’t Denise’s first headline-grabbing breakup. The actress was previously married to Charlie Sheen, with whom she shares two daughters. Their marriage, too, was marked by public drama and allegations of abusive behavior.
Aaron, for his part, was previously married to actress Nicollette Sheridan before meeting Denise.
Fans React to Denise’s Allegations
The shocking details have set social media ablaze, with fans expressing concern and outrage:
???? “This is horrifying. Stay strong, Denise.”
???? “Aaron’s denial means nothing with those bruises. I hope she’s safe.”
???? “Two marriages with abuse allegations… this poor woman needs protection.”
What’s Next?
With the restraining order in place, Denise and Aaron will face off in court on August 8 to determine whether the protection order will be extended or made permanent.
For now, Denise remains focused on protecting herself and her children as the legal battle unfolds.
???? Do you believe Denise’s claims against Aaron? Should the restraining order be made permanent?
???? Join the conversation below and stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.